Thank You, Haverhill, NH

To simplify our lives and be closer to our son and grandchild, my wife and I moved to West Lebanon, NH, after 36 years in the house where we raised our sons. I worked overseas in Africa and Ukraine for 12 of those years, but we kept the house and it was always a blessing to come back home.

As I reflect on my life in this community, I recall many memories. In 1988, I had the honor to be elected to the NH House of Representatives and, in 1998, gave a speech on the House floor that included these words: “There is a great Native American saying, ‘The first thing you need to do in life is to find a sacred space to live.’ I chose to live in Pike, a village in the Town of Haverhill, a beautiful area where Connecticut River dairy farms bump up against the White Mountains.”

In the legislature, I was especially proud of constituent work, responding to people who sought assistance from their state government. At times, residents shared deeply personal issues, and it sometimes felt, “like a window opening into people’s souls” (another quote from that 1998 speech).

As for legislation I sponsored, I am most proud of efforts that benefited that area, including the Bedell Bridge boat launch, creating Lake Tarleton State Park, and the major addition to the Glencliff Home for the Elderly.

Despite a low tax base and other challenges, Haverhill has many outstanding qualities and wonderful people. The immense beauty and affordable land create potential for more tourism and other businesses. Thank you, Haverhill! You enriched my life in so many ways and I will always be grateful.

You can read my full essay thanking Haverhill, as it appeared in the March 9, 2023 edition of the Bridge Weekly, on page 4 and page 18.